Watch out! Mewtwo, no!
Instinctively, Ki reached for him and attempted to push the Pokemon away. Instead, her body refused to respond with the urgency her mind demanded. It was as if she was wading through molasses.
They were, in fact, only a foot apart, but it seemed to be miles. Admist her struggles, panic swiftly began to rise, infiltrating her heart. What was going on? Why couldn't she move?! Even her powers wouldn't manifest.
There was a loud bang, and it echoed sharply in the cavernous room. Helplessly, she watched as a bullet zinged towards its target. It ripped into his flesh, tearing tissue, tendons, and muscle to bury deeply into his thigh. Almost instantly, spurts of blood started to gush out of the hole and stream down his leg.
His face contorted in agony, giving a soft groan as he collapsed to his knees. She then heard a scream, and it was a few moments before she realized she was the one had emitted it. She could barely recognize her own voice in the woeful, gut-wrenching cry.
Her limbs finally unfreezing, she careened to close the gap between them and knelt at his side. A pool of dark red was rapidly forming on the floor beneath him. However, she had nothing in which to apply to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding. She felt completely useless.
Their eyes locked, and hers burned with tears of frustration and despair upon the affliction radiating in his soulful amethyst depths. Though he did not speak, his hand sought for hers and grasped it tenderly. He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze in assurance.
The sound of the pistol's hammer clicking as it was cocked again caught the young woman's attention, and she snapped her head up to face its wielder. Giovanni began to walk in slow, measured steps towards them. His face was void of expression or emotion, but his hardened brown eyes were cruelly cold and sinister. The weapon remained steadily poised on the Pokemon.
In a desperate bid to shield him from further harm, Ki wrapped her arms around Mewtwo and hunched over him protectively.
Stop! she pleaded, Leave him alone!
"Step aside," the Team Leader ordered, tersely.
She rejected his command, her resolve strengthening as she tightened her hold on the psychic. Before she could register he had pulled the trigger, there was a brilliant flash, and then her left arm exploded in pain. The shot had only grazed her shoulder, but it was no less excruciating. Her grip involuntarily loosened somewhat as blood began to seep from the broken skin.
Stardust! Mewtwo exclaimed.
With a low snarl, he managed to rise to his feet and pivoted to lash his tail out at the human. However, the Team Rocket leader seemed to anticipate his attack and effortlessly dodged around him. The gun was discharged a third time, clipping the Pokemon near his ankle. Hissing in anger and pain, he was forced to the ground once again.
"You still dare to defy me?" Giovanni confronted, looming over him.
The inquiry was met with stony silence. Mewtwo was aware of how dangerously close the revolver hovered near his head. Yet, he refused to be intimidated, steadily glowering at the man.
"Very well then," the Team Rocket leader continued, acknowledging his resistance, "I trust losing her should be sufficient enough to crush your will."
He abruptly shifted the weapon away from the Pokemon, and trained it on the young woman instead. Desparately, Mewtwo essayed to lunge at the human, but his injuries hindered him to move with speed, reacting far too late. In one quick, fluid motion, Giovanni wrapped his finger around the trigger and squeezed.
Ki! he howled, a mournful sound.
Mew-!
Crack!
Her body gave a violent jolt and her vision became filled with black. Drawing in a sharp gasp of air, she began to pant heavily like she had run a great distance. Her pulse was racing as her heart pounded fiercely against her ribcage. She was drenched with sweat, her clothes plastered to her as if they were a second skin. Her damp hair hung limply around her face.
A resounding clap of thunder overhead all of a sudden nearly made her scream in fright. Rain pounded in relentless drumming on the rooftop and rapidly rolled off the eaves into puddles on the ground below. She could hear the roaring of the wind whistle through the cracks in the walls. Bursts of lightning filtered through the window in the loft above and briefly illuminated the ceiling in the otherwise pitch dark interior.
She started to tremble then with the excessive adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her head was spinning too much to focus and impaired her senses. Dazed and disoriented, she was unable to immediately recall her location.
Where... where was she? While there was a certain familiarity of her surroundings, she couldn't quite place herself. Nor did she remember why or how she came to be here. Nevertheless, there was a vague, but persistent, tug in her subconscious she was forgetting something of considerable importance.
However, her mind had not quite fully emerged out of its groggy state. She was still entrapped by the images of the event which transpired only moments before. She was yet to realize all was not as it seemed.
In crystaline clarity, she could see Giovanni brandishing the pistol in point blank range of her head. There was a soft click, and then seconds later, a sharp pop followed as the bullet exited the chamber. The smell of gunpowder wafted through the air, tickling her nostrils.
While powerless to stop the hurtling projectile, she had been paralyzed to think or act. She heard another sound pierce the void, a voice her heart recognized. She tried to respond to the haunting echo of her name, but her world abruptly plunged into darkness.
She began to feel then as if she had been dunked in icy water and her stomach churned with nausea. Unwittingly, she dug her fingers in the blanket. Shouldn't... shouldn't she be dead? At that distance, it would have been impossible for the bullet to have missed. Yet, somehow, she was here, and very much alive.
Tentatively, she reached up to touch her forehead. All of a sudden, pain seared in her left arm like it had been raked through a bed of hot coals. Reflexively, she clutched her shoulder, withdrawing the next instant when she encountered a warm, sticky fluid. She inspected her fingers to find bright red blood leaking between them.
How did she...?
Her eyes opened wide as the memories of the day returned to her with the force of a typhoon. None of those other events had ever happened. Then that would mean... it was a dream... She... she couldn't have...
Mewtwo.
Distraught, she quickly turned to the Pokemon lying next to her. At initial glance, she failed to detect any signs of life from him. It appeared also his pale lavender skin had become a shade lighter than normal. There was no nightmare her mind could conjure that was more terrifying than this. Her worst fear...
Almost immediately, she was stricken with crippling emotion. She felt sick as grief and anguish settled on her heart like a heavy weight, threatening to rupture under the pressure. Her throat and chest were seized in a choking tightness, which made it difficult to breathe.
As she teetered on the verge of collapse, something deep in her soul whispered assurance to her. Warm and comforting, the familiar essence spread through her like a balm to soothe her. She mentally sought to cling to it, and it was then she discovered a connection which until now she had never known of its existence. His soul was tightly bounded to her own.
This revelation brought with it a sudden awareness of a wispy stream of air grazing across her cheek. It was so subtle, in fact, had she not been focused as she was at that exact moment, she may have missed it otherwise. She was compelled to cast her gaze over him a second time.
She began to monitor him more closely, waiting with nervous anticipation, but it seemed far too long since she first felt it. Her spirits sank further. What if she had imagined it? Perhaps her mind was playing a cruel prank because she simply could not come to terms he was...?
The movement barely registered, but her heart skipped a beat upon notice then of his chest rising upward. It descended again in short succession, and tendrils of soft breath flowed over her skin as it had before. She could also hear now a faint wheezing rattle in his lungs. Apart, he was silent and motionless.
Ki struggled to constrain herself from bursting into tears. She was simultaneously relieved and overjoyed, but she wasn't sure how much more she could endure. Her emotional reserves were nearly depleted.
She exhaled a ragged sigh and brought her hand to his face, tenderly cupping his cheek in her palm. She was pleased to discover the fever had reduced significantly in that time. There was only a slight elevation in difference to his normal body heat.
However, the roughness of his skin under her fingers gave her pause for another concern. He was becoming dehydrated. Although the burns mainly contributed to the dryness, the fact he had not had anything to drink for several hours was compounding it. It was vital she should get fluids into him as soon as possible. She licked her own dry lips to moisten them, the sensation of thick cotton in her mouth and throat urging she needed to also.
Assured he was stable for the moment, she planted a soft kiss on his forehead before beginning to carefully navigate her way out of bed. This proved to be more difficult than expected. Her body was stiff and sore, her muscles resisting to comply with her actions. She finally managed to bring herself to a sitting position, perched on the side of the bed.
She clutched her arm to her chest suddenly as it was seized by what felt like daggers stabbing all over. She clenched her jaw, waiting until the pain subsided to continue on. She knew she needed to use Recover soon or risk an infection setting in.
However, a quick mental check of her power levels revealed she had not regained enough strength for it to be effective. And she still had to travel to Cianwood... For now, she would have to address the wound with the supplies in a first aid kit.
Albeit her gait was slow and lumbering, she walked towards the store room where the water bucket, and other essentials, was kept. She found the kit, deciding it would be best to first tend to her arm. She surmised Mewtwo would have wanted her to anyway. He always seemed to be putting her needs above his own.
She opened the box and taking a small pair of scissors, used them to snip off the shredded remains of her sleeve. Upon clearing away the fabric to expose her skin, she blanched at the sight. The laceration was worse than she initially thought. Spanning the front half of her lower shoulder, it was at least an inch wide and nearly as deep. Dried blood had crusted around the edges, and the fresh was already starting to join it.
She then plucked a bottle out and soaked a sterile cloth with its contents, applying the liquid to the wound. Gently, she worked in the saline solution to cleanse the area of bacteria, dirt, and grime. Unlike alcohol, it wasn't supposed to burn, yet she winced as it came in contact with the opened flesh. She bit down on her tongue to refrain from crying out, but a soft hiss escaped between her lips.
It was such a small sound, but she tensed, worried there was chance he might have heard. After several anxious moments waiting with baited breath, she began to relax when he remained soundly asleep. It was imperative he'd be disturbed as little as possible. He needed plenty of rest to aid in the healing process.
She resumed cleaning her arm and then gingerly patted it dry to finish. She reached for a tube of antiseptic cream next and squirted a thin layer onto her fingers, ever so gently massaging it over the wound. She followed with two non-woven sponges to give sufficient coverage of the area, and secured them in place using gauze and tape. It was a bit cumbersome to wrap her own self, but she managed well enough that in the end, she felt confident the dressings would hold tightly and not fall off.
After packing away the kit, she picked up the wooden pail where it sat on the shelf, a tin cup nestled in the bottom, to use to gather the water from a nearby well. Her footsteps nearly silent, she began to creep to the barn doors. She carefully lifted the latch and cracked one open just wide enough to gauge the surroundings.
The rain had finally stopped now, and a misty haze was forming in its place. Moonlight peeked between the passing clouds like threads of silver as they raced off to the south. In the distance, a flash of lightning briefly lit up the horizon, but the absence of thunder was an indication the storm had moved too far away at this point to pose a threat any longer.
She strained her ears to listen closely for either strange or suspicious noises. Perhaps she might have been acting a little paranoid, but she needed to be absolute certain the perimeter was secure. She simply could not afford a misjudgment.
The only sounds she was able to detect was the soft, intermittent drops of water sliding off the eaves to hit the saturated ground below. She also could sense no one in the immediate vicinity. Trusting it was safe, she pushed the door open further and started to head out, but abruptly paused to give a distressing glance back at Mewtwo. She was loath to let him out of her sight, even for a moment, but she had no choice.
No choice... She felt a weight on her shoulders as the thought only served to remind her she was still facing the same dilemma. How could she make the trek to Johto if it was this difficult to leave him alone while only a few yards away? Yet, the potion was the one best hope she had to save him. With her options so constrained, what else could she possibly do?
Her heart heavy, she returned her attention to the task at hand and ventured into the warm, humid night. The wet grass glided over her socked feet as she lightly padded across the yard. She hadn't thought to put on shoes, but the lack thereof provided the benefit of stealth.
Her footing was sure, and despite the fresh mud, easily found the grooves in the worn earth of the path she had taken so often. Though there was barely any light to aid her, she knew her senses were guiding in the right direction. A large circular stone object, rising at least two feet above the ground, soon came into view. The structure had a small wooden roof attached to keep it sheltered from the weather.
The well had been here when the barn was built several years, suggesting someone had lived on the land before, but was long abandoned. At one time, she would have had to turn a crank to lower and lift, but it had been modified to install a pump instead. She was never more grateful now for such a modern convenience to at least ease one burden off her mind.
She placed the bucket beneath the spout, and then positioned herself at the lever. She began to work it in a seesawing motion and squeezed the mechanism to draw the water up to the surface. With the use of only her right arm, however, the process was taking much longer than normal.
She continued to steadily pump, but thus far the water was failing to materialize. She gritted her teeth in frustration, beads of sweat forming on her brow. She could feel her strength waning as the muscles in her arm started to burn. Just when she was about to quit in a fit of rage, there was a gurgling noise and clear liquid began to flow into the bucket.
Giving a relieved, but weary, sigh, she filled it until the tin floated to the top near the rim. Finally, she released the handle and the water ceased to pour out of the egress. She then retrieved the cup, partially submerging it into the water again. When it was full, she brought it to her lips and tipped back, allowing the cool beverage to slide down to her parched throat.
The vessel was drained within moments and refilled once more. This time, she consumed the drink a little slower to savor its refreshing flavor. There was a crisp, naturally sweet taste which she always thought to be quite delicious.
However, the remainder of the second cup was still finished within short succession of the first. Her thirst quenched, she gathered up the pail to begin making her way back to the barn. Though, suddenly, she paused upon hearing a familiar sound nearby.
Was it...? Could it be...? She was almost startled as a pair of lively chattering Rattata scampered past her feet. They darted into the underbrush and then disappeared. What she thought had only been the squeaking of the Rat Pokemon.
Ki's spirits plummeted as fast as they had risen. She began to feel a new, different ache in her heart. She did wish Mew were here.
Mew always seemed to have a solution to every problem. If there was anyone who could figure out the best course of action to the present situation, she could. Yet, more than her wisdom, the young woman missed her comfort and infectious jovial nature. At that moment, she really could use something to smile about.
As the high-pitched cry reached to her ears once more, she readily dismissed it as the Rattata again, but then froze when she realized it was calling her name.
"Ki! Ki!"
Instantly, she recognized the distinctive chirruping. A moment later, a tiny cat-like creature, its cotton candy pink hue shining like a beacon in the dark, appeared from around the trees. It came barreling straight for her.
Mew clung to Ki's shirt in a hug and nuzzled her face into her chest, mewling happily.
"When did you get back?" she asked, "How come...?"
She abruptly halted in mid-question, beginning to take note of the young woman's disheveled state. Her big blue eyes grew wide with concern as she gave her a thorough inspection. Curiously, she touched the white wrapping around Ki's arm, but withdrew contrite when she flinched in pain.
"Good heavens, child!" the Pokemon finally exclaimed, "What happened to you?!"
Ki drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a debilitated sigh before she spoke.
It's... it's a long story, she murmured, But, how did you...
"I sensed you reach out to me," Mew informed.
"Ki, what's going on?" she then pressed, gently, "Are you in some kind of trouble?"
Ki swallowed thickly, casting an apprehensive look towards the barn. Explaining here would take too much time, and she already had been gone for far longer than she felt comfortable. Yet, she was slightly hesitant to bring Mew along out of abundance of caution.
"You're hiding something," the pink cat observed, quietly.
The young woman remained silent, but the expression on her face was a mixture of guilt and anxiety. The knot forming in her stomach tightened. It wasn't a matter of trust, as she knew the Pokemon would conform to secrecy, but rather her presence could end up potentially being disastrous while he was in such a fragile condition.
Mew could see the turmoil clearly in her eyes. She was not surprised by her unfortunate habit to internally seal away her struggles, but nothing ever like this. She lightly nudged under her chin to console her.
"Ki, whatever it is, you don't have to be afraid to tell me," she assured.
He's here, Ki abruptly confesssed, in a soft whisper, In the barn; Mewtwo.
Of all the possible things Mew could have imagined, this was not one of them. The revelation rendered her temporarily at a loss for words. It was a few moments before she could fully process the controversial piece of information and recollect her thoughts.
"Mewtwo is... here?" she questioned, in disbelief, "Ki... what... what on Earth would possess you to make such a reckless decision?"
Leaving him was not an option, Ki bristled, If you come with me, I will explain, but I must get back to the barn.
"Not until..." Mew started.
Mew, please, Ki implored, desperately, cutting her off, Please...
The emotionally distressed tone in the young woman's voice, her emerald eyes filling with despondency, gave the psychic cat pause. Ki was passionate in helping Pokemon, and she had taken a personal interest in Mewtwo from nearly the beginning, but something was different now. It was evident in her peculiar behavior.
Determined all the more to get to the bottom of it, Mew complied with her wishes. Ki managed to give the Pokemon a tiny, grateful smile in return. The two then headed for the rustic white and blue building, which many times had served as girl's refuge along with her work.
Upon reaching the double doors, the young woman quietly cracked one open wide enough for them to slip through. She held up a finger to her lips as they entered, an indicator to be mindful of creating any noise. Her footsteps were soft, almost silent, gliding across the smooth sanded wood floor to the back corner of the vast interior.
Mew followed trailing slightly behind. She watched Ki approach the bed where a bulky, misshapen form lay mostly hidden underneath a blue blanket. The end of what appeared to be a long, deep purple tail was visible, however, and rested seemingly lifeless on the ground. She could also see the top of the creature's pale lavender skinned head and small horned ears.
Initially, she had been ill at ease, not knowing what to expect with her knowledge of the Pokemon limited to Ki's past experiences. Yet, that was gradually subsiding now she was able to perceive he was not a threat. In fact, concern was starting to overtake fear. She could sense there was something not quite right with him.
Ki set the bucket of water at the head of the bed and then kneeled down beside Mewtwo. He was still as she had left him, barely breathing and unresponsive. Fighting to keep her emotions at bay, she gently touched his forehead with the back of a hand.
The feverish heat of his skin radiated through hers, but she found there were no significant changes in her brief absence. It was both relieving and worrisome. While his elevated temperature was an assured sign his body was battling infection, it was critical to reduce it to as normal as possible before much longer to prevent further internal damage.
Dipping her fingers in the bucket, she spread the water over his lips to moisten them. She hoped by using this method the liquid would elict a reaction and rouse him enough to entice him for a drink. She made a second attempt several moments later when the first failed to produce results.
She waited with anxious fervor, scarcely daring to breath. As seconds passed by, then a full minute, and he continued not to stir, an indescribable pain began to grow in her heart. She felt as if it were being torn apart, piece by piece.
Please... please wake up, she pleaded, her voice choked and barely audible.
Wetting her fingers for a third round, this time she gingerly inserted them past his lips to push the water into his mouth. All of a sudden, his tongue began to move and curl around her fingers to suck off the liquid. Overcome with joy and relief, she draped an arm around his exposed shoulder in a careful hug, her cheek pressing to his.
Pain... so much pain. Suffocating... hard to breathe. Paralyzed... trapped. Too hot... burning.
Something wet touches his tongue and lips. It was cool, sweet, and refreshing. Water... He eagerly accepts the offering.
An angel's voice, filling every crevice of his soul in its familiar warmth, beckons... But... why does she sound so sad? His heart contracts with emotion in response, feeling the urge to comfort her.
He reaches out...
Mewtwo's eyelids started to twitch and a few moments later, he slowly opened his eyes. Their amethyst depths were hazy with sickness and confusion. He seemed to stare off into nothing. When his gaze finally settled on Ki, it was as if he didn't recognize her.
She brushed her fingers along his cheek and he appeared to tense, his eyes narrowing darkly. Startled, she retracted her hand and shrank back slightly on reflex. While she was knew it wasn't his fault, she was nevertheless hurt deeply by the reaction.
Trust what your heart tells you, she murmured, soothingly, It knows who I am.
Her words apparently got through to him as after a moment, he visibly relaxed. The expression on his face then changed to one of profound guilt and his eyes filled with remorse. How could he possibly forget she was his own mate?
I... I... am... he tried to speak to apologize.
Shhh, it's okay, she assured, softly, Fever can affect the brain and sometimes temporarily impair memory.
She began to stroke his cheek again. He leaned into her touch, releasing a contented sigh. How grateful he was for her to have such a forgiving nature. He managed to nuzzle into her neck.
Smiling, she kissed his forehead and then retrieved the cup of water from the bucket, which she nearly filled to the brim. Slowly, so as not to spill any, she stood to her feet and settled on the mattress at his side instead. She adjusted herself to an accessible position where he could drink more easily.
Can you move anything at all? she asked, inquisitively, wondering if there was any chance he could sit up.
His brow furrowed with uncertainty. Experimentally, he tried to flex his fingers and toes, but the now familiar, strange prickling sensation in his limbs, which inhibited his movements, was still present. There was a heaviness too to his body that it might as well have been made of stone. Such a small effort had left him feeling drained and helpless, both he could have never imagined of himself.
He closed his eyes in admittance of defeat and frustration.
It's all right, she consoled him, gently, I'll help you.
Balancing the cup between her legs, she slipped her arms under behind his upper back and eased his torso forward until he was upright. She ignored the scream of agony in her left shoulder the strain of lifting him caused. Using her good arm to continue to support him, she raised the cup to his lips.
Carefully, she tilted it and let the water begin to flow past them into his mouth. He had to restrain himself from outright guzzling the vital liquid as it worked to saturate his dry tongue and throat. It was the first time he had experienced such excessive thirst.
Even before the vessel was completely emptied and he made an indication for more, Ki was prepared to replenish it. She gently nudged the bucket over closer with her foot to reach it. Though in her haste, she miscalculated the distance at her elevation from the water and realized too late she was stretching her arm past its limited capabilities. Already strained by the previous exertion, the sheer, raw excruciation which pulsated throughout proved too much for her to bear anymore.
The world became distorted, and she could barely breathe, let alone scream, as her whole body seized up in the horrifically searing pain. Her grip around Mewtwo's torso almost slipped, but she somehow still had the presence of mind to steadfastly hold on. The cup, however, tumbled to the floor with a clatter.
As if from a distance, she heard two voices call her name simultaneously. Suddenly, Mew appeared in front of her and the young woman blinked in surprise, snapping out of the haze. She had completely forgotten the little psychic cat was here she was so focused on him.
Beside her, Mewtwo's own eyes began to widen in disbelief at the sight of the Pokemon. It... it was not possible... Could... could it actually be...?
No... No, it could not he quickly decided. He was convinced the fever must be wreaking havoc on his mind. It was simply nothing more than an elaborate illusion. It... did not exist.
Abruptly, he began to feel dizzy and his head slumped against Ki's, his eyes closing.
Oh, Mewtwo! the young woman gasped, softly.
She grappled a moment to check his vitals, and once finding him stable, cradled his unconscious form to her as gingerly as she could manage. She wasn't sure if it was the fever or the shock of seeing Mew which had caused him to pass out again. Yet, under normal circumstances, she suspected he would not have been quite this overwhelmed by her presence. His sickness was more to blame here.
"I have been waiting long enough," Mew quietly spoke, after a brief silence, "I think it's time you tell me what the hell happened to you; to both of you. It's obvious neither of you are well."
She noted the once white bandage around Ki's shoulder was rapidly staining a deep crimson. She was troubled of the fact the young psychic had not used Recover on herself up to this point. Nor, for that matter, any of her powers in which to aid her in the process of Mewtwo's care.
Mew could sense she wasn't intentionally suppressing them, but was aghast to learn rather they lay dormant in a state of rest. What could have possibly happened to have drained them in such a spectacular way? She felt she was past due for answers.
"First, let me take care of that arm," she added, adamantly.
Though the Pokemon was gentle, upon placing her tiny paw at the wound site, Ki stifled a cry of agony. The light touch seared her arm as if it were a white-hot flame. She exhaled a shuddering breath, which morphed into a faint whimper.
She then noticed suddenly a slight twitch in Mewtwo's fingers on the hand resting in her lap as they reacted to the sound. It was a sure sign he could still hear, and was responding to her from deep in his subconscious. She slid her palm into his reassuringly and it quieted his turbulence.
A moment later, Mew, and her shoulder, became bathed in pink psychic energy. There was a warm, tingling sensation, and the young woman could feel it start to flow through her entire body. The Heal Pulse worked extensively to repair the damage, mending the torn flesh together to be whole again.
As well, the move was providing a much needed boost to Ki's overall health. The heavy soreness to her muscles was reducing to a vague ache, and she could sense a substantial recovery of her powers. While not completely restored to their normal levels, she was confident they were strong enough again to where she could take the trek to Cianwood with minimal problems.
That was not all in which she regained, as evident by loud growl emitting from her empty stomach. It was over a dozen hours since she had last eaten, but until now her appetite had disappeared. She was absolutely famished.
With a bright blush reddening her cheeks, she looked sheepishly at Mew. There was a twinkle of amusement in the Pokemon's blue eyes. The pink glow around them both began to diminish, and then faded away entirely as she dispersed her power.
"What am I going to do with you, child," she grumbled, although good-naturedly.
I... really wasn't hungry before, Ki confessed, quietly.
She couldn't have considered food even if she had been. She was the least concerned with her own welfare. Her thoughts were invested only in the other half of her heart nestled in her arms, fighting for his life. There was nothing else in the world that mattered to her than to save him.
"But you must eat," Mew countered, "Nourishment is particularly essential to aid in the healing process. It's important to keep your strength up."
She paused, casting a contemplative glance in Mewtwo's direction. Though he was unconscious still, the Pokemon had curled his body to conform to Ki's in a way to suggest he trusted her wholly. Certainly, it didn't escape Mew's attention when he had cried out her name, he used not her given moniker, but its literal translation instead. It appeared he would have become quite close to her in order for it to be permissible.
Indeed, the strange behavior the girl had been exhibiting confirmed she had grown fond of him also. The tenderness she exuded with the care and attention she gave him showed there was clearly a bond between them. Rarely did she connect to someone on such a deep level, but it was apparent she had been successful in him. An irony when all things were considered, but Mew would not be surprised if she had intended for it to be her goal from the beginning.
Ki chose not to respond to the argument, but busied herself instead making Mewtwo more comfortable. Gently, she lowered him back to lay on the mattress. His eyelids fluttered as the motion caused him to stir briefly before settling again.
A pained, languid smile forming on her lips, she bent down to kiss his forehead. She would attempt to wake him a little later to ingest more water. Finally, she turned to Mew, whose miffed expression indicated she was none too pleased with her. Aware she had reverted to old habits, the young woman cast her eyes guiltily downward.
I... I am sorry, she murmured, You're right.
The subdued tone of her voice dissolved the little pink cat's irritation. She couldn't stay upset with her, nor add insult to injury in scolding her when she had been through so much already. Her features softening, she sighed and touched a motherly paw to Ki's cheek.
"It's all right," she comforted, "It has been a difficult day for you."
"What matters is you're alive and safe," she continued, "And I know it's important to you to help Mewtwo, but you shouldn't ignore your own needs."
I don't care about me, Ki mumbled, It's my fault he ended up like this.
In spite of Mewtwo's earlier insistence to the contrary, she still couldn't help feeling she was to blame.
Abruptly, she shrugged away from her and then venturing to stand, began to walk towards the supply room. Her equilibrium was a little off due to the surge of newly regenerated strength, but she couldn't remain sitting idle any longer. She needed to prepare now to soon retrieve his medicine... before it became too late.
Mew, flabbergasted in the wake of her startling remark, hastily flew after her. She found Ki rummaging through items almost angrily. What she was looking for, she wondered if the young woman herself even knew. Once again, the Pokemon was struck by the oddity of her behavior.
"Why would you say that?" she inquired, perplexed.
She couldn't imagine her ever deliberately hurting, or put in life-threatening danger, a Pokemon. She cared too much for them, but there was something curiously different in the way she did for him. Mew had still yet to decipher the reasoning behind it.
Ki gritted her teeth and her chest started to grow tight, her breath becoming short and heavy. She gripped the edge of a shelf until her knuckles were turning white. She was struggling to maintain her already razor-thin composure, and as she was forced to regurgitate the memories of the day, they threatened to destroy it completely. In all of her life, she had never been heartsick with this much grief, fury, and anguish.
I made... the foolish mistake of letting my guard down, she spoke at last, grounding out the words, I don't... I don't know why I allowed myself to go along into what was an obvious ploy. I should have refused...
A stormy expression clouded her face and she started to tremble with the pent up emotions. She could feel moisture building in her eyes, but she swallowed hard in a effort to stave off tears. She was precariously close to losing control, but now was not the time. What good would it do her?
"Refused what?" Mew coaxed then, gently.
Whatever had happened was causing some self-inflicted resentment, which worried the Pokemon. If it were left to continue festering within her, she would never be able to move past and forgive herself. While undoubtedly painful for her to remember, it was best to keep her talking and not be distracted by her emotions. She needed to hear the full story besides to have a better understanding of the circumstances.
I was sent to go alone on a bogus assignment, the psychic young woman resumed, her voice quivering now, Giovanni didn't give me much of a choice, but it was so as I couldn't stop him when he used me as a pawn to force Mewtwo into submission.
You see, through the course of his training, we grew quite close to each other, she explained, To the point where he stopped listening to anyone except me.
"Giovanni didn't like that, I presume," Mew surmised.
It was undermining his authority, Ki confirmed, grimly, In retaliation, he imprisoned him in a cage and tortured him by means of electrical shocks. I only knew something was amiss when I had a vision and heard Mewtwo call out to me in the same moment. I raced back as fast as I could to rescue him, but, of course, Giovanni wouldn't let us go quietly. We were both cornered to fight him and his blond bimbo before making our escape, and then I brought Mewtwo here.
Gradually, the tension had drained out of her body, her shoulders slumping as she let her arms fall limp to the sides. There was a deep sorrow in place of the ire etched in her features. A single tear managed to leak from the corner of her eye and slowly slide down her cheek. However, she made no move to brush it away, nor the other which followed soon after.
The will to fight them was gone.
He... he further taxed his system in the process of saving me from nearly being gunned down, she struggled to press on, He needs a stronger potion than the ones I have, and it's in Cianwood. It's imperative I leave to travel there at once so I can administer it to him in time. If I don't, he'll...
Abruptly, she halted then and drew in a deep, shuddering breath. She felt as if her heart were being squeezed unmercifully in a vice. She was sucked into a vortex of crippling devastation.
He'll die, she finally choked, her voice cracking, I-I don't want... I can't... I can't lose him. I just.. can't...
All of the emotions she had been holding back poured forth now in a flood of tears. Her legs suddenly could no longer support her and she sank to the floor on her knees. She hunched over and tightly curled her arms around them into a ball as mournful sobs began wracking her body.
While Mew watched somberly, it dawned on her then what the true extent of Ki's feelings for Mewtwo were. How could she have possibly missed it before? Those clues in her demeanor, as subtle as they were, was unmistakeable, but at last it all made sense.
"You love him."
It was neither a question or an observance. It was a statement. Numbly, the young woman nodded her head in affirmation.
"Oh, Ki," the little pink cat breathed, "My dear child..."
Are you going to tell me it's wrong too? Ki managed to spit out, almost vehemently.
Seeing the hurt in the Pokemon's big blue eyes, she instantly regretted the scathing assumption. Yet, she couldn't bear to be condemned by the one who she viewed a mentor and trusted confidant, and loved like a sister. It didn't matter what others would say, but having the support of her family meant everything.
Mew was dismayed over the accusation, but it served to her as proof she had already been denounced for her perceived immoral act. The threat she could face more repercussions to come would always exist as there were many who would not understand. Would she be strong enough to withstand them?
"No, I'm not," she answered, quietly, "You are old and wise enough to choose your own path which carries your heart to wherever it will lead you. No one else can decide what is right for you. If you are happy, that's all what matters to me."
Through the haze of tears, a tiny smile graced Ki's lips. She was grateful to be given her blessing. She hoped Sabrina would do so as well when the time came.
Thank you, she whispered, softly.
Mew floated down to hover near her shoulder, and in a motherly fashion, brushed aside the veil of hair which was shrouding her face. The young woman's eyes were bloodshot red and puffy from crying so much, but the tears had begun to slow at least. Tenderly, she touched a paw to her damp cheek, wiping one away as it rolled down.
"Does Mewtwo know?" she inquired.
Ki rubbed the back of her hand across her eyes to dry them, giving a few sniffles before she lifted her head slightly to fix a solemn gaze on the Pokemon. Briefly, she debated with herself how far in their relationship she should divulge to her. Yet, there were usually no secrets between them. She decided to be purposely vague in her response, but it wouldn't be difficult for the little psychic cat to figure out what she meant.
"It happened to us both actually at the same moment, she disclosed, softly, almost bashful, Many times now he has shown how much he loves me, and I him.
Gulping in a deep breath of air, she tried to stabilize her tumultuous emotions once again. It was not easy, however, as those memories surfaced to tumble around in her head and tease her unrelenting. The way he would hold her so close to him, his skin like a velvet sheet against hers... His gentle, impassioned caresses all over her body... His heavy, euphoric breaths near her ear as he descended from the height of his climax, whispering endearments...
Another wave of fresh tears coursed their way down her cheeks then, and she couldn't help a quiet sob from escaping her throat, but it lacked of its earlier energy. She had been thoroughly wrung out, and while there was still a persistent ache in her heart, her soul did not feel so weighted anymore and her mind was much clearer. She knew she was staring down impossible odds, but she hadn't come this far just to give up now.
A few moments lapsed before Mew's eyes began to grow impossibly wide and she stared at the young woman in stunned silence. Apparently, she had misunderstood her prior implications and didn't realize the relationship was more than simply platonic. Bringing to light this new information changed everything. Not only had they crossed a forbidden threshold, it tore at the very fabric separating the worlds of humans and Pokemon.
You appear to be having seconds thoughts, Ki remarked, sourly.
"I..." Mew fumbled.
She could not retract her words because she was truly sincere in encouraging to forge her own destiny. However, she was now frightened of what ramifications could be wrought upon her, or Mewtwo. She suddenly had an inexplicable, eerie feeling of deja vu.
"I... I won't deny I will still support your endeavors," she admitted, "It would be wrong of me to recant."
"Yet, do you have any idea how serious and significant the societal impacts will be?" she continued, "As you have had the misfortune to experience, not everyone is going to tolerate your relationship. They could possibly even take terrible and drastic measures against you."
If there were such threats, do you honestly believe they would deter me, or him? Ki rebuked, sharply, You can't change what is in our hearts, and I won't let anyone or anything tear us apart!
She clenched her hands tightly into fists, her eyes blazing like fiery pools of emerald. She could feel indignation bubbling up from deep within. Even after the fact the Pokemon had given her, albeit now reluctant, acceptance, the dire warnings seemed to be disguised as more of an attempt to discourage the pursuit of the relationship. In a sense, it was almost if she was trying to sabotage it through efforts to inject her with fear and doubt.
"Kikara, for goodness sakes, calm yourself," Mew admonished, an edge creeping into her own voice, "We'll be arguing over nothing soon if we don't keep our heads level. Right now, the focus should be on to address the immediate pressing concern, which is to save Mewtwo."
The normally tranquil tiny cat creature's harsh tone rattled Ki to her senses, her words striking to the core. How... how could she let her emotions spiral out of control like this to cause her to lose sight of what mattered above all else? Mew was right; their dispute was not going to help Mewtwo in any way. It would be meaningless to seek acquisition otherwise to the fact they were mates should the unthinkable were to happen in the process.
There was no future she wanted without him in it.
Contrite, she bowed her head again in apology. She could feel then a tear start trickle down her cheek. In frustration, she hastily smeared it away, biting her lip until she could almost taste blood to dissuade more.
Stop it. Stop crying, damnit. Pull yourself together. He needs you.
Her internal berating was visibly written on her face, and Mew wished she could somehow ease her pain. There came a tug on her heart she felt compelling to console her. Wrapping her little arms around as far as they could go, she squeezed Ki's neck in a hug. The young woman encircled the small body in her own arms, but tried not to hold on too tightly in fear of squishing her.
"You are a strong, brave girl," she commended, "Although you tend to be a little overly obstinate at times, it's that very same trait which allows you to accomplish anything you set your mind to."
I-I don't feel like I am, Ki susurrated, quivering, I'm scared... I'm so scared of losing him...
She closed her eyes then and clutched the little cat slightly harder, unable to suppress a soft, doleful sob. Mew was bordering on uncomfortable in her grasp, but tried her best not to show it. Instead, she gently nudged under her chin to assure her.
"Have faith, child," she soothed, "I am certain because of you he will give it his all to fight to pull through, but time is of the essence. You say the medicine you need is in Cianwood, correct?"
Yes, the young woman confirmed, quietly, with a nod of her head, It's in the Johto region, on an island off its west coast.
The Pokemon began to mull over the information, her brow furrowing worriedly. From what she could recall of her explorations in many parts of the world before learning about Ki and settled here, Cianwood was at least half a day's worth of travel. Yet, this only pertained to the fact if she were to fly nonstop and under optimal circumstances. It also didn't configure but one way.
Atlhough the human girl had enough power at present to use Recover to fully restore her health beforehand, her condition would deteriorate rapidly from the strain pushing herself much too soon. Her body would be unable to endure over a distance of that magnitude. The risk of putting her life in peril greatly outweighed the benefit to save his.
"You may need to reconsider your plans," Mew advised, gently, "It's much too far, and you are not exactly in peak form to make such a journey without foreseen complications."
"And I am afraid it could be too late for Mewtwo when you should return," she added, grimly.
Ki's face crumpled with despair, feeling as if her heart would shatter. A nauseating chill coursed through her spine. She wanted to scream, throw or even hit something. It was a nightmare that just wouldn't end.
They are the only ones who have the particular potion he requires, she purported, Not even the local Pokemon Center keeps it on hand, and it's not easy to obtain unless it's a dire emergency. So what would you propose then I do?
What Mew failed to understand was there was simply no other recourse available. There were but a small number of people authorized to have the medication in their possession. Among those privileged few were scientists, researchers, and... professors...
It was a moment of epiphany for the young psychic, as a familiar name crossed her mind. Why could she not have possibly remembered him sooner? However, it had been difficult for her to think rationally while being inundated by her emotions.
There might... there might be someone here in Kanto who could help us after all, she apprised, softly.
Without warning, she scrambled to her feet and sprang forward to the supply shelves once more. The bewildered Mythical barely avoided tumbling off her chest in the sudden whirlwind motion. After she regained her bearings, she watched Ki vigorously pull clothes out of a backpack. It was a relief to note the usual sparkle in her eyes was returning as her hope seemed to renew in light of her discovery.
"Whom do you speak of?" she inquired, curiously.
His name is Samuel Oak, Ki explained, tugging off her shirt, He's a professor living in Pallet Town and he studies Pokemon, or more specifically, how they and humans interact with each other. He's at the top of his field. I am confident if anyone were to have the medicine, it would be him.
She tossed the shredded garment in a corner to find some other use for it later. It was replaced with a flowing, short-sleeved soft lavender blouse. Her dingy shorts were traded for a pair of faded jeans.
The outfit was the only stitch of clothing she owned now. Most of her wardrobe was an ash heap in the ruins of the Team Rocket base. She would have to make a trip into the city to shop for essentials, but not until she secured the stability of Mewtwo's health.
"And you are certain he will impart it to you?" Mew questioned further.
Here, the young woman did give pause and lowered her gaze, her expression becoming downtrodden.
I don't know, she admitted, quietly, I haven't actually ever met him, but I have heard he is a good, kind-hearted man. It's a chance I have to take, and if not...
She could feel a lump beginning to form in her throat, but tried hard not to focus on the prospective outcome if her plan failed.
Carefully, she proceeded to remove then the blood-soaked dressing around her shoulder, and spared a glance to inspect the Pokemon's handiwork. The gash had been cleanly sealed, leaving but a slight raised red line which resembled a scar. Lightly, she traced its length over the bumpy texture, and winced with memory. It was a painful reminder of these events she would rather not have exist.
Summoning her powers, her body became shrouded in a whitish purple sheen, and the scar started to gradually fade. A warm flood of energy surged through her system and felt as though she were being enrobed in a cocoon. What remained of her afflictions melted away, replenishing her reservoirs to their normal levels.
Emerging from the chrysalis of Recover moments later, there was a sense of complete transformation. Not only was she revitalized in body, but mind and spirit as well. She was feeling much like her usual self again.
She made a grab for the backpack and began filling it now with a few provisions to sustain her on the journey. A pecha berry found its way in her mouth as she packed, finally unable to ignore the persistent rumbling of her stomach any longer. Sinking her teeth in its soft flesh, bursts of delectable sugary sweet juice coated her tongue. The berry's properties had little to no effect on humans, but it would do in a pinch for a snack.
Mew, delighted by the fact she was eating, picked up another and thrust it towards her.
"You can't travel on an empty tummy," she reasoned.
The young woman obliged her and accepted the offering. She scarcely had consumed it before the little pink cat was dangling a third almost in her face. Quickly shaking her head, however, she refused this one.
Thank you, but that's enough, she declined.
I'll eat something more proper later, she added, noting the Pokemon's ears droop in dismay, Too many of those will give me a stomachache besides.
It was a miserable lesson learned as a child when she polished off an entire bowl full all at once. She finished then loading the bag and secured it on her shoulder. Exiting the store room, she immediately headed to the corner to give another assessment on Mewtwo.
Stuffing the fruit into her own mouth instead, Mew swiftly followed behind her. However, Ki turned to the Pokemon and made a flurried motion indicating she should hide. There was too much of risk he would see her again. She was afraid of an even worse reaction than the previous.
Upon first glance of approaching, it appeared he was still unconscious. As the young woman perched on the side of the futon and placed a cool hand to his hot forehead, he trembled slightly beneath her soft touch. His eyes opened after a moment, but to merely slits, and gazed up at her with such suffering in their pierce purple she felt her heart would break. Struggling to fight tears, she bent down to lay her head next to his and tenderly glided her fingers over his cheek.
She heard a sigh rattle in his chest, and he snuzzled against her weakly. The bag strapped to her back caught his attention then, and he met her eyes questioningly.
I must leave here for a short while and retrieve the potion needed to cure you, she explained, If I don't, without it you'll... Your chances of survival are minimal at best.
That's why it's crucial I go immediately, she continued, So that I may return as soon as possible to deliver it to you.
The news came to him as unexpected, and caused him to begin to become slightly agitated. His eye ridges knitted together in a a tight frown as he looked over her apprehensively, scrutinizing her shoulder in particular. Understanding his concern, she propped herself on her elbow and pushed up her blouse sleeve to reveal smooth, creamy flesh underneath where the gash had once been.
Mewtwo arched his brows in mild surprise. Though his sense were quite muddled, he could still faintly detect there was also significant improvement overall in her health and psyche. His initial trepidation dissolving, his features softened into a satiated smile and he gently nosed in her hair.
I am all right, she reassured, My dear friend arrived sometime ago and helped me... oh... Chansey...
The abrupt, halting pauses in her voice mystified him. Yet, he had no time contemplate on it as suddenly a portly, ovoid shaped, bright pink Pokemon filled his line of vision. It had stubby arms, legs, and a short tail. There were three long frills on either side of its head, with the ends shaded a darker pink. As were its feet and a pouch on the front of its body, in which a large white egg was tucked inside.
Small, black eyes peered at him and its smile appeared to be permanently plastered on its chubby face. The strange creature gave him an uneasy feeling, especially with it in such close proximity. There was something about the Pokemon that made it seem almost unreal, but he was unable to figure out what.
Chansey, no, Ki admonished, lightly, punctuating her name, Please, don't crowd him.
For a moment, "Chansey's" bizarrely happy expression withered to a pout, but she complied and shuffled back a few paces to a more respectable distance. The young woman sighed exasperatedly, indicating her displeasure with the shenanigans, before she returned her attention to her mate. She began to caress his shoulder in an effort to settle his nerves.
I'm sorry for the intrusion, she apologized, softly, She's exceptionally curious and sometimes doesn't understand personal boundaries, but she means no harm. I vouch for her trustworthiness, as she'll be taking good care of you in my absence.
He responded by burying his face in her chest. He did not want her to leave, but he could understand the reason why she needed to. He was committed to following through on the promise he made.
I... I... love... you... Stardust... he struggled out, whispering, Please...
His voice dropped off suddenly, forced to stop with the unmerciful pounding in his skull. However, she didn't need physical words to recognize what he was communicating. She gently cradled his head in her arms, her eyes glittering brightly with tears.
I love you too, she murmured, I will, I will be careful.
She brushed her lips on his forehead and kissed it tenderly. Carefully extracting her hold of him, she sat up then to reach for the nearly forgotten pail of water at the bedside. She felt guilty she had been cut short in supplying him enough earlier, and there was no doubt he was still thirsty. She would not depart until she remedied her inexcusable negligence.
As once before, she assisted him upright and bringing the cup to his lips, tipped the rim to let the liquid flow past them. He welcomed the cool beverage sliding down his parched throat eagerly, but retained a measure of control not to consume it too quick. Still, the vessel was drained in a matter of moments and when she offered a second serving, he drank this one just as deeply. He stopped in refusal, however, halfway through the third upon finally having his fill.
Taking the cup away, she finished off the remainder herself and then gave him a warm smile. She was content she had been successful in meeting his need. Despite assurances of knowledge to the contrary, she would fret over his wellbeing in Mew's charge while away. She could only hope the sometimes mischievous little pink cat didn't blow her cover.
The purple psychic Pokemon gave a faint, but affectionate, smile in return and rested his head on Ki's shoulder. She cuddled him close, savoring for a few moments longer. With a soft kiss on his cheek, she arranged him to lay down again in a more comfortable position.
I will return soon, I promise, she whispered.
Giving his hand a final squeeze, she rose to her feet and made her way to the barn doors. She cracked open one and slipped out into a pale gray world. A light fog shrouded visibility, hovering low along the fields.
She turned to glance over her shoulder at the sound of clomping footfalls from behind. Chansey/Mew wobbled as fast as her short legs would carry her, huffing in the same manner a steam engine would in an uphill climb. She was nearly breathless when she reached her.
"I hate this body," she griped.
It was your choice, Ki reminded her, And so you are to remain in this disguise around him for the meantime. You mustn't allow him to see you in your true form, at least not until he's well enough. I'm counting on you.
"You have my word," Chansey/Mew vowed, solemnly.
Ki acknowledged with a nod of her head. Her gaze then shifted out over the countryside to the south, where her destination lie in waiting. She could feel a knot starting to grow in the pit of her stomach. The fear of not knowing the outcome of her journey weighed heavily on her heart.
What if... what if Professor Oak didn't have the medicine? Coming back without a cure was not an option, but the only other contingency would not allow her enough time to save Mewtwo. The Pallet Town researcher was her one, and last, best hope.
She inhaled the misty morning air deep into her lungs in an effort to quell her anxiety. The subtle, sweet fragrant notes of summer in its impending transition in the late spring atmosphere inclined her to curl her lips upward in a faint smile. She took a moment to adjust the straps of her pack more snugly on her shoulders before letting telekinesis lift her body off the ground.
With a small wave goodbye to Chansey/Mew, she set her course for the tiny seaside village in a contrail of purple.